Best Cheap Chicken Recipes for Budget Dinners (2025)

Thankfully, chicken is here to bail us out! Accessible, flexible, and halal appropriate, it is the tail to weeknight dinners and the backbone of dinner time weekends. These Cheap Chicken Recipes collections will treat you to flavour-packed budget-friendly recipes that are also comfortably made in minutes and friendly to your wallet. Each dish has the cost breakdown, so you know exactly what you are paying for – no surprises, just nicely filling meals.

Why Budget Recipes Matter in 2025

As food prices continue to rise, many people are experiencing hardship on a new level. Food preparation from a budgetary perspective stretches your wallet without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Cheap Chicken Recipes help plan weekly meals, prevent wastage of food as well as skip costly takeaways, without getting out of control of your grocery bill. If you’re looking for a creamy, indulgent but budget-conscious dinner idea, check out Chicken Alfredo recipe —it’s a rich yet affordable option that fits right in.

Smart Cooking = Less Stress

Meals that are budget-friendly minimize financial strain, and they bring more predictability to your monthly spending. There is even peace of mind in knowing that even if you feed your family a variety of satisfying home-grown meals, you will not overspend. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about establishing a more manageable and sustainable setup with food.

Oven Magic: Comfort in a Tray with Spiced Chicken and Potato Bake

A perfect fit for busy weeknights or lazy, easy Sundays, this convenient one-tray recipe puts comfort food on your table with no fuss. Marinate bone-in chicken thighs in plain yogurt with turmeric, paprika, and garlic paste. Place the chicken in thin slices of potatoes battered in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast all in one piece until the potato has crisp edges and the chicken is tender. It’s hearty & warming and perfect for the whole family.

Total Cost: £4.10

Chicken thighs – £2.00
Potatoes – £0.90
Yogurt and spices – £1.20

Curry in a Hurry: Quick Chicken and Vegetable Curry

Throw this quick and spicy curry in for your meals when you are in a hurry. First fry onions and garlic paste, then add diced tomatoes and stir for them to soften. Add diced boneless chicken breast, then fresh, chopped vegetables, frozen or not. Throw in curry essentials like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala and reduce with water till everything soaks up into a flavoursome, intense sauce. Serve with plain boiled rice.

Total Cost: £4.30

Chicken – £2.80
Vegetables and tomatoes – £1.30
Spices and oil – £0.20

Sweet & Sticky Cravings: Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

These homemade wings taste better and are cheaper than takeout. Combine honey, halal soy sauce, garlic paste, a splash of vinegar, and black pepper to convert to a marinade. Cover the wings and bake until golden and goopy. Serve steamed rice or a matching green salad on the side for a dinner that satisfies with little effort.

Total Cost: £4.50

Chicken wings – £2.50
Honey, soy sauce, garlic – £2.00

One Pot Wonder: Hearty Chicken and Lentil Stew

A wholesome meal full of protein and fibre. Cook brown chicken thighs in a pot, then add onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes, red lentils & water. Add salt, pepper, and turmeric, then simmer to a rich, thick stew. This dish is filling, economical, and ready for batch cooking / storing for later.

Total Cost: £3.60

Chicken – £1.40
Lentils and veg – £1.40
Spices – £0.80

Street Food at Home: Homemade Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Make your kitchen your own favorite takeaway. Cut boneless chicken thin and marinate with a kick of garlic, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, olive oil, and more cilantro. Grill or sear the chicken until it is juicy with char on the outside. Served on pita with crisp lettuce and cucumbers, in a sweet, creamy garlic-yogurt sauce, just like your local shawarma joint without the wallet-sweeping price tag.

Total Cost: £4.90

Chicken – £2.80
Bread and yogurt – £1.50
Veg and spices – £0.60

Family Favourite: Bubbly Chicken Pasta Bake

Great for a large family or weekly meal planning, tender pieces of chicken in a rich tomato sauce with nice melting cheese on top make up this perfect pasta bake. Sauté chicken, onion, and garlic in the chicken, and mix with pasta and pasta sauce. Season with a sprinkling of shredded cheese on top and bake until it turns golden. A warm and crowd-pleasing dinner.

Total Cost: £4.80

Chicken – £2.10
Pasta and sauce – £1.70
Cheese – £1.00

Festive Feels on a Budget: Easy Chicken Biryani

Decorative and festive to the eye and palate, this simple layered rice recipe is surprisingly economical. It’s one of those Cheap Chicken Recipes that feels luxurious without the cost. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, along with garlic paste and biryani spices. Semi-cook your rice and next layer it with your marinated chicken, fried onions, and herbs. Stew it all for a spectacular biryani for happy occasions or just a nice meal.

Total Cost: £5.40

Chicken – £2.50
Rice and yogurt – £1.30
Herbs and spices – £1.60

Warm Bowls, Full Hearts: Chicken and Barley Soup

This soup is a nice and thrifty way to stay warm. Simmer chicken drumsticks, onion, garlic, carrot, potatoes, pearl barley, and add stock and peppercorns for flavour. With one hour of gentle Cooking, after an hour you will obtain a soothing broth, laden with veggies and soft grains. Perfect during cold nights and eventually reheats beautifully. For a similarly hearty and traditional flavour, try Cocky Leekie Soup Recipe that also delivers big on warmth without breaking the budget.

Total Cost: £3.90

Chicken – £1.40
Veg and barley – £1.50
Stock and spices – £1.00

FAQs

Is the price of recipes correct for 2025?

Prices are, on average, according to the UK supermarket rates of the year 2025. Variables, to some extent, can occur according to region and availability.

Can I minimize the Cost further?

Yes, shop sales; buy store-brand items; use frozen vegetables or bulk spices.

Do these meals freeze well?

Yes. Most stews, curries, pasta bakes, and mince will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Are all these recipes halal-friendly?

Yes. All ingredients are chosen considering halal dietary considerations.